DRAMA NOVEL ONLINE Sexting the Don: Chapter 19
“Think about the growth potential,” I press on, my voice firm and convincing. “With your infrastructure and our resources, we could dominate the market within a year.”
I’m seated at a polished mahogany table in The Citadel—an exclusive club nestled in the heart of downtown LA known for its high-profile clientele and discretion. The atmosphere is thick with the scent of aged whiskey and the low murmur of seasoned businessmen discussing hefty deals.
Across from me sits Thomas Keller, vice president of strategic development at Atlas Tech Solutions. Next to him is Marcus Lei, chief operating officer of Meridian Enterprises. Both companies are giants in their respective fields—technology and finance.
Thomas reclines slightly, a savvy player in the game with eyes like a hawk. “Your numbers are impressive, Enzo, but we need to think about the long-term implications of this merger.”
“Of course,” I respond smoothly, swirling the whiskey in my glass. “Take all the time you need. I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t confident in our mutual benefit.”
As the group breaks into smaller clusters to deliberate, I take it as my cue to step away. I walk over to the expansive window that offers a panoramic view of the city below. The night is alive with a sparkling landscape, and I love it.
When I first started mingling with legitimate businessmen like Thomas and Marcus, it was all a cover, a façade to mask the murkier parts of my operations. But over the last decade, these legit ventures have genuinely taken off, shaping my portfolio into something so robust that I barely need the dirty money anymore.
The illegal stuff is mostly for kicks now, the thrill of the game, and a nod to the family legacy that thrust me into this life.
I gaze out over LA, pondering the empire I’ve built and the dual paths I walk between legitimacy and the underworld. Those dealings in the shadows aren’t just about tradition anymore; there’s an obligation, too—to my family and to the loyal guys who still operate in those darker depths.
Taking a sip of my whiskey, I savor the richness as it grounds me back to the present. I turn back to the group, ready to guide our talks to an endpoint.
Just as I’m about to rejoin them, my phone buzzes insistently in my pocket. I pull it out and see Mandy’s name on the screen. A small smirk forms on my lips as I think about the night ahead—perhaps a bit of celebratory fun after sealing today’s deal.
But when I answer the call, the tone of her voice wipes the smirk right off my face.
‘Mandy, slow down,’ I say as her words tumble out in a frantic rush. ‘Calm down and tell me what’s happening.’
There’s a moment of heavy breathing as she tries to compose herself, and then her words come out more clearly. ‘It’s my mom and Jimmy. He hit her, Enzo. He actually hit her, then me, and threatened us both.’
The details pour out, each one like a punch to my gut. Pure rage begins to simmer within as I listen, my hand involuntarily clenching into a fist.
‘Listen to me,’ I say, my voice low and steady despite the storm brewing inside. ‘I want you and your mom to go to my place right now. Head straight to the guest house and make yourselves at home. You’ll be safe there.’
‘Are you sure? I don’t want to impose—’ she begins, but I cut her off.
‘It’s not up for discussion. I’m sure. I want you both safe, and that’s the end of it,’ I insist, my tone leaving no room for argument.
‘Okay, we’ll do that. Thank you so much.” She sounds massively relieved.
‘Text me when you get there,’ I tell her, my jaw set tight as I end the call.
My thoughts shift violently as I slip the phone back into my pocket. The deal I’m about to close fades into the background, overshadowed by the urgent need to protect Mandy and her mother. As I walk back to the group, my mind races with plans and dark thoughts of what I might do to Jimmy if I get my hands on him.
I smooth out my features as I approach, trying to mask the fury still simmering within. Thomas eyes me cautiously.
‘Everything okay?’ he asks, a hint of concern lacing his voice.
I nod, maintaining my composed demeanor. ‘It’s fine,’ I assure him, my voice even. ‘Just a family matter that needed my attention.’
Marcus, who had been quietly observing the exchange, nods understandingly before shifting the conversation back to business.
‘We’ve discussed your proposal, Enzo, and we’re ready to accept the deal,’ he announces, a note of decisiveness in his tone. ‘We’ll have our lawyers draft up the contracts, but for now, let’s seal this with a handshake.’
One by one, I shake hands with each businessman. Another member of the group, eager to celebrate our new partnership, suggests, ‘Let’s break out some of the good stuff. I have a bottle of twenty-year-old Scotch that’s been waiting for an occasion like this.”
I pause, tempted by the offer. Under normal circumstances, I’d join in the celebration, but tonight is different. ‘I appreciate the offer, but I have to head out, family business,’ I reiterate, the weight of the situation with Mandy and her mother pressing urgently on my mind.
Understanding flickers in their eyes. We shake hands, and I offer my apologies before exiting the club. As I slide behind the wheel of my car and start driving through the city’s vibrant night, my thoughts drift to Mandy. A twinge of sadness hits me as I think about her situation.
I breathe a sigh of relief when a text comes through from her telling me they’ve arrived at the guest house.
Her father is a piece of shit, and it’s clear she’s been dealing with his toxicity far too long without a real support system.
The streets blur past, each streetlight streaking through the darkness. I’m pissed at her father, but more than that, I’m concerned for her and her mom. They’re in a tough spot, and it hits me just how alone Mandy must have felt dealing with this.
I’m glad I can be there for her. It’s not just about being the tough guy; it’s about being the right guy in her time of need. As I drive, I feel a resolve settling over me.
Whatever Mandy and her mother need, I’ll make sure they get it.
As I pull up to my house, the lights glow warmly in the guest house beyond, offering a comforting sign. I park quickly and make my way around the property, spotting Mandy alone on the porch. She’s staring off into space, lost in thought, a glass of water in her hand.
Seeing her there, knowing she’s safe, I feel a wave of relief wash over me.
She’s so wrapped up in her own world that she doesn’t notice my approach until I’m almost beside her. “Hey,” I greet her, trying to keep my voice gentle.
She looks up, startled, and I can see tear stains on her cheeks. Like me, she’s good at hiding her pain, but tonight, it’s right there on the surface. I sit down next to her, giving her a moment to collect herself.
“How are you holding up? How’s your mom?” I ask, keeping my tone soft.
“She’s okay. She’s resting upstairs,” Mandy replies, her voice a bit shaky. She takes a deep breath and then looks at me, her eyes grateful. “Thank you for letting us stay here. I … we really appreciate it.”
“You can stay as long as you need,” I assure her firmly, wanting her to feel completely secure. “You’re safe here, both of you.”
Mandy nods, looking back out into the night. “I think I’ll be okay now that Mom’s finally agreed to leave him. We’re not going back,” she adds, a hint of steel underlining her words.
I listen, understanding more than she might realize about making tough choices for the sake of safety and sanity.
“You’re doing the right thing,” I say, meeting her gaze. “And you’re not alone in this. I’ve got your back.”
Her eyes meet mine, and something unspoken passes between us—a recognition of the support, maybe even a spark of something deeper.
She lets out a small, tired chuckle. “I guess this is what family business means for you, huh?”
“Something like that,” I agree with a half-smile. “But remember, this is more than just a place to stay. It’s a new start for you and your mom. Anything you need to make that happen, you just let me know.”
“Thank you,” she says again, her voice steadier. “Really, thank you.”
As we sit there in the quiet of the night, I find myself watching her. There’s a strength in her that keeps catching me off guard. She’s compact, almost delicate in appearance, but there’s a ferocity to her spirit, a resilience that speaks of inner steel.
It’s mesmerizing, and frankly, it’s damn sexy.
Each moment I spend with her seems to pull me in deeper, and I’m starting to feel things that are both thrilling and a bit terrifying. Love isn’t a game I’ve played straight for a long time, not since I took over the family business and my life became a series of strategic moves.
But here, with Mandy, it feels like I’m slipping, falling for her in ways I hadn’t planned.
I glance at her, the soft glow of the porch light highlighting her features. ‘Mandy,’ I start, my voice low, the words almost catching in my throat. ‘Would you like to stay in my room tonight? Maybe try something new?’
It’s an offer but also a diversion—my way of navigating these growing feelings and hopefully taking her mind off of the earlier events of the day.
Her response is a smile, slow and almost devilish, that lights up her face and ignites something raw within me. She stands, her movements graceful and inviting as she takes my hand. The air between us crackles with anticipation as we walk into the house and to my bedroom, the magnetic pull between us increasing with each step.
I softly close the door, and the world narrows down to just the two of us. Our kiss is immediate, intense, fueled by the unspoken emotions and the physical desire that’s been building. The way she kisses me back, it’s like a match to dry tinder—fierce and burning.
The conversation shifts to teasing words and bold promises.
“I bet you didn’t expect the night to end like this,” she whispers against my lips, a challenge in her tone.
“Oh, I don’t know,” I murmur back, my hands finding the hem of her shirt, “I’m starting to think expecting the unexpected should be the norm with you.”
Clothes begin to peel away as we continue to tease and taunt each other, each layer discarded, adding to the intensity of the moment. Her skin against mine sends a jolt of desire through me, and from the way her breath catches, I know the feeling is mutual.
We’re lost in each other, the rest of the world fading away as we explore, touch, and whisper fervently, allowing the physical to intertwine with the emotional, driving the darkness away for a while.